October 07, Colombo (LNW): SriLankan Airlines, the national carrier of Sri Lanka, has long been associated with the flight code prefix “UL”. Unfortunately, for an extended period, this designation became the subject of ridicule, earning the airline the unflattering moniker “Usually Late” due to frequent delays and cancellations. In 2024, the airline continued to experience widespread disruptions to its flight schedules, further cementing this negative reputation.
However, the situation has undergone a marked transformation. Multiple sources confirm that SriLankan Airlines is now operating its services punctually, with flights consistently taking off and landing on schedule. This represents a significant shift from the airline’s previous operational record.
This turnaround is largely attributed to the new management team, led by Chairman Sarath Ganegoda, who assumed responsibility under the current government. Within the span of a year, the administration has succeeded in removing the long-standing stigma of unreliability that plagued the national carrier.
Punctuality is a cornerstone of success for any international airline, as passengers and airport partners alike require reliability. Chronic delays not only inconvenience passengers but also place a strain on foreign airport operations and coordination with other airlines.
SriLankan Airlines’ recent improvements are, therefore, a point of national satisfaction and an important development for the country’s aviation and tourism sectors.
According to employees of SriLankan Airlines, the company is now operating as a true corporate entity—free from political interference and governed by professional management principles.
“This is exactly how a company should function. There is no political meddling. Now everyone can see how it is gradually recovering as an institution,” one employee noted.
Under successive past governments, the airline reportedly suffered from political appointments and mismanagement, most notably during the tenure of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who appointed his brother-in-law as Chairman. These decisions led to a substantial misuse of public funds and left the airline on the brink of collapse.
At its lowest point, the management was forced to consider two drastic options: either sell the airline or shut it down. However, given the airline’s heavy debt burden, a sale was deemed impractical.
With the change in government, the appointment of Mr Ganegoda and his new team has injected renewed hope into the airline’s future. The administration has successfully reintroduced private sector efficiency into the operation of the national carrier, helping to restore its credibility and performance.
It is important for the media not only to criticise failures but also to acknowledge progress and commend effective leadership. In this case, credit is due to the new management of SriLankan Airlines and the current government for steering the airline back towards operational excellence.
As a nation with ambitious plans to expand its tourism industry, a reliable national airline is of critical importance. SriLankan Airlines serves as the first point of contact for many international visitors and plays a vital role in shaping their initial impression of the country. The fact that this responsibility is now being fulfilled with professionalism and care by the airline’s pilots, flight crew, engineering teams, and ground staff is a source of national pride.
